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Loiasis

Overview

Type of Disease:Infectious diseaseAcquired

Loiasis is a parasitic worm, also called Loa Loa, which causes inflammation and swelling in different parts of the body. The worm is transmitted into the body through a horsefly, deer fly or the Mango fly. The worm enters the bloodstream through the fly's bite, and often travels to the eyes or skin. The worm then causes local inflammation, leading to swelling, red skin and itchy skin. This parasitic worm is found mostly in Central Africa. Symptoms can take up to two years to develop; hence, doctors find it hard to diagnose this infection. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. Doctors often provide different forms of antibiotics to fight off the parasitic infection.